The Claim

In pregnant women during the third trimester, serum ferritin levels exhibit a weak inverse correlation with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, with a statistically significant p-value less than 0.05.

Source: EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE (TSH) AND FERRITIN IN THE THIRD TRIMESTER: IMPLICATIONS FOR FETAL OUTCOMES

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
31score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Correlation
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In pregnant women during the third trimester, lower levels of serum ferritin are associated with higher levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

See the scientific wording

In pregnant women during the third trimester, serum ferritin levels exhibit a weak inverse correlation with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, with a statistically significant p-value less than 0.05, suggesting that lower iron stores are linked to higher TSH concentrations in this population.

Why this might work

When iron stores are low, the thyroid gland cannot make enough thyroid hormone, so the brain sends more signal to the thyroid to work harder, raising TSH levels.

Suggested mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE (TSH) AND FERRITIN IN THE THIRD TRIMESTER: IMPLICATIONS FOR FETAL OUTCOMES

    In late pregnancy, women with less stored iron tend to have slightly higher thyroid hormone signals (TSH), and this study found that link is real—not just by chance.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.